Starbucks workers strike over Pride decorations policy

Starbucks Workers United union group said Friday that about 3,500 employees from 150 stores will begin a week-long strike on Friday. Union leaders claim the company has restricted decorations celebrating Pride Month in some locations. Starbucks said it is not aware of any company-owned stores that have banned Pride decorations. Store managers are allowed to decorate their stores for cultural celebrations, as long as they adhere to safety guidelines, the company said.

What prompted the walkout? Union leaders claimed workers at 100 stores across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri were told not to put up decorations over concerns the stores could be targeted for supporting Pride month. The strikes are also aimed at pushing the company to sign collective bargaining agreements, the union added. The coffee chain is the latest company to come under fire for allegedly minimizing support for the annual month-long celebration. Some Target stores received bomb threats after removing select Pride merchandise. 

Dig deeper: Listen to Kelsey Reed and Jonathan Boes’ report in Concurrently about cancel culture and how Christians can develop mature responses.